We were lucky to catch up with Eiman Yousif recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Eiman thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I have started my journey in arts in 2016 after a long career as an educator. Being a teacher has been a route full of passion and accomplishments as well as stress and self-neglect. I wanted to find a way to distress after a long week of teaching, planning, meetings etc..so I decided to join a fun class of painting where you just paint your heart out. Soon after I joined, my talent surfaced and realized that I can really paint. Needless to say painting has become the best activity I engaged in; it changed my life to the better. It made my realize how a person can improve the quality of their life and make changes at any age. I may have started late in life but late is better than never.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I started painting in small groups for fun in 2016 and that led to participating in several exhibitions locally and internationally. Currently my paintings are in display in a solo exhibition in Kansas City Libraries in Overland Park. My art focus is on women and the struggle we go through especially for women who grew in societies that were somehow oppressive to women. It also highlights their strength and determination. I participated in a women art exhibition which showcased the work of 100 women artists from around the world. My paintings have been purchased by art collectors and individuals during these exhibitions.
Beside painting on canvas I started a clothes line called QueenKandaka. I produced a limited hand-painted clothing. Each piece was unique and one of a kind. All pieces were sold. Although I enjoyed working on fabric however painting on canvas brings me more joy and satisfaction.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Through my art I would like to remind women that age is just a number. I started to paint just few years ago when I was 50 and I thought I was too late in the game but I caught on faster than I imagined and I was able to paint my heart out and participate in many exhibitions. One has to follow their passion at all times and pursue happiness and joy.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Some people may not appreciate your art and others may criticize your work. I was discouraged by the comments of some people which delayed my journey into the arts. Those comments made me feel that I am not good enough as an artist. It took me a couple of years to try again and when my first painting was sold, I regained my confidence and never looked back. It’s important to keep doing what you love for yourself first. Art does not have to be perfect. If you feel that you want to paint just pick up a brush. If your painting sparks joy in you, that is enough.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.beamsoflight.online
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/artbyeimanyousif
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbyeimanyousif